This paper provides a student learning outcome focused assessment of the benefits and limitations of traditional internships, e-internships, and simulated internships to evaluate the potential of computer mediated internships (e-internships and simulated internships) within higher education from a student perspective.

The paper undertakes a systematic conceptually based assessment of the extent to which computer mediated internships are able to replicate the cognitive, skill-based and affective learning outcomes of traditional internships. In addition, the key limitations of traditional internships from a student perspective are identified, and the potential ability of computer mediated internships to address these limitations is assessed. The findings of this paper highlight that computer mediated internships are able to replicate most of the benefits of traditional internships, whilst concurrently addressing many of their limitations. However, the current paper also identifies a number of important limitations for student learning in computer mediated internships, and provides advice that aims to assist students in maximising their learning outcomes in these situations.

The paper is the first to provide a systematic student learning outcome focused comparison of traditional internships and computer mediated internships. In addition, the paper establishes the high potential of simulated internships for student learning in higher education, and provides students, higher education providers and researcher with learning outcome focused criteria sets that enable the empirical evaluation of computer mediated internships in future research.

Bayerlein, L., & Jeske, D. (2017). Student learning opportunities in traditional and computer-mediated internships. Education + Training. doi: 10.1108/ET-10-2016-0157